Top 5 footwear trends for fall

Fashion

Top 5 footwear trends for fall

If you're bored of sandals and can't bear the thought of spending another minute in flip-flops, you're in luck. With a new season comes a whole new crop of footwear to fawn over.

Whether you're planning to add several pairs to your closet or just need one go-to shoe to start the season off right, there are many stylish options on offer to feed your footwear fetish.

To get a better idea of what shoes to shop for this season, we spoke with Cynthia Florek, the brand and trend director for women's apparel and accessories at Sears Canada. She shares her insight into the five biggest footwear trends for fall and how you can use them to build sleek and modern outfits.

1. Wedge bootiesWe saw wedge heels in cork and straw this summer, but wedge booties are the way to go for fall. "Wedges are going from what we saw in summer to more of a bootie wedge in suede and animal prints," says Florek.

If you're not a fan of wedge heels, you can still rock the bootie – another fall footwear trend – in a different style of heel. "The bootie is a must-have this season," says Florek. "Try it in a wedge, stiletto heel, blocked heel or platform, and in textures like suede, faux pony or crackled patent," she suggests.

Use booties to complement a shift dress or to modernize an A-line skirt as ankle boots add an edge to more traditional outfits.

2. Riding bootsThanks to autumn's vintage push, riding boots are making a comeback this season. "The riding boot is a classic that's been a staple throughout the ages," explains Florek. "We're seeing it this year done in a traditional silhouette and updated with a crackle patent and gold hardware."

Riding boots are one of the most versatile fall footwear options, making them the ideal investment for a new season. Wear them with sweater dresses and tights, blazers and denim or even blouses and prim pencil skirts.

Page 1 of 2 -- Discover three more chic footwear trends for fall on page 2. 3. Hardware and textureHardware and embellishments aren't limited to riding boots. In fact, they're making their way onto myriad footwear options this fall.

"We're seeing a lot more texture blocking in boots this fall," says Florek. "Mixes of textures with high shine, like python, and more tactile fabrics, like suede, create rich, dimensional looks," she explains.

Pair your textured boots or flats with skirts and black tights or with cigarette pants to add interest to any basic ensemble.

4. Colourful, embellished flatsIf you've been frustrated with the bland, boring flats of late, don't fret. The classic flat is getting an update this fall. "The basic flat has evolved into a more statement-making shoe with details like pops of colours, toe capping, contrast binding and fabric blocking," notes Florek. Wear colourful or embellished flats with neutral pants or an ankle-length pleated skirt to give your more simple outfits a bit of a boost.

Tuxedo loafers in deep, rich colours are another autumn must-have when it comes to flats, says Florek. "Colour mixing was big for spring and summer, so we're seeing footwear this fall experiment with colours like inky blues, deep reds and mustards," she explains.

5. Statement heels"There are two big trends in formal footwear: First, a heavier, blocked heel with a platform to match, and second, more of a pointed toe, ladylike kitten or stiletto heel," says Florek.

Both heel types offer their own distinctive vibe. Use thicker, heavy heels to add substance to an airier outfit, such as a floral print A-line dress or a light-colour pleated skirt. Pair the more ladylike heels with office wear to add a feminine twist to your work wardrobe or wear them with slim cropped pants to create a streamlined look for the season.

One of the best parts about the cooler weather moving in is the shopping that comes with welcoming a new season. When it comes to footwear, the options are wide open and versatile, offering several ways to create stylish outfits perfect for fall.